In this Community Spotlight, learn how what began as a small gathering of friends around a combine has grown into one of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota’s most unique community fundraisers, raising awareness and support for people impacted by epilepsy.
For more than a decade, Dale Radman has opened his farm near Randolph, Minnesota, inviting family, friends, neighbors and fellow farmers to gather for Combine for a Cure. The annual event raises funds for both epilepsy and type 1 diabetes causes while celebrating community, agriculture and the people who inspire Dale’s commitment.
Born and raised on a farm, Dale has spent his entire life around agricultural equipment. His combine is more than a piece of machinery. It is a connection to farming history and a way to bring people together around something meaningful.
A Community Tradition Takes Root
Over the years, Combine for a Cure has evolved from a simple harvest gathering into a day-long community event featuring food, live music, games, silent auctions and, of course, combine rides.
“It didn’t start out with a party,” Dale says. “We would pick my acre and a half of corn, put it in a wagon and sell it. It was basically myself and maybe a couple of friends and some lawn chairs. But over time, it turned into a planned event.”
Today, the event attracts hundreds of supporters each fall. Attendees can bid on dozens of silent auction items, enjoy local entertainment and experience harvest season firsthand.
Combine for a Cure is truly a community effort. Local farmers, businesses and neighbors contribute in countless ways, donating food, seed, fertilizer and other supplies that help make the event possible. Dale often compares the event to the historic “threshing day,” marking a time when farmers and neighbors came together to separate grain from straw using threshing machines, bringing farming communities together to support one another during harvest.
Dale says the inspiration behind the event has always been personal.
Initially, proceeds supported what is now Breakthrough T1D after his niece was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In 2018, the fundraiser expanded to benefit epilepsy after his nephew Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy.
“I don’t have any children myself, so I feel like my nieces and nephew are kind of like my kids. So this is my way of giving back to my nieces and nephews,” says Dale.
A Circle of Support
Ben’s mother and Dale’s sister, Julie, remembers the early days following Ben’s epilepsy diagnosis and the importance of finding support and connection through EFMN programs.
“It just helped me know that others were going through it,” Julie says. “Not having to feel so alone to navigate and connect with other people was helpful for me.”
That sense of connection eventually led Ben to the Shining Stars program, where he has shared his story to help raise awareness and support others living with epilepsy.
Shining Stars brings together children and teens from across Minnesota to build confidence, form friendships and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with epilepsy. Through special events, leadership opportunities and awareness efforts, participants are reminded that epilepsy is just one part of who they are.
Cultivating Understanding
Beginning in middle school, Ben and his family used Epilepsy Awareness Month each November as an opportunity to help classmates better understand epilepsy.
“It’s hard to describe what epilepsy is like unless you’re the person who has experienced it,” Ben says. “That’s why we started talking to my classmates during Epilepsy Awareness Month. We shared videos and information so people could better understand epilepsy and know how to help if someone has a seizure.”
For Ben’s mom, Julie, the goal was always about more than awareness.
“We wanted kids to know how to keep Ben safe, but also to understand anybody with epilepsy,” Julie says. “It’s about looking out for one another, keeping each other safe, and caring for each other. We also wanted them to understand that Ben is just a regular kid who loves swimming, video games, and books. Epilepsy is only one part of who he is,” says Julie.
Today, Julie volunteers with EFMN and remains committed to helping other families find the same support her family received.
“I would say for us, it’s about connection for our immediate family.”
Growing a Lasting Impact
That focus on connection is also what keeps Combine for a Cure growing year after year.
For Dale, seeing the realities of epilepsy firsthand strengthened his determination to continue the fundraiser. “I enjoy doing what I’m doing just because I know I’m, hopefully I’m making a difference,” Dale says.
As the event continues to grow, Dale remains focused on what matters most: gathering people together, supporting causes close to his heart and creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
More than a decade after it began with an acre and a half of corn, a wagon and a few lawn chairs, Combine for a Cure has become something much bigger: a celebration of family, community and the power of generations coming together to support one another and make a difference.
Combine for a Cure 2026 Event Details
Come and support Dale Radman as he combines and donates his corn crop to Breakthrough T1D & Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 12 PM
Location: ¼ mile West of 1825 270 St. E
Randolph, Minnesota 55065
Any questions contact Dale at 612-501-4908